The woman who dresses Don Draper

ELLE meets Mad Men's costume designer

Well the wait is nearly over as Mad Men finally returns to our screens tonight.

What we would give to be on set with designer Janie Bryant who was busy dressing Jon Hamm, January Jones and Christina Hendricks when we called - There are girdles and panty-hose and bags and shoes and accessories everywhere, literally thousands of pieces go into each episode.

Last season we left Don contemplating the question Are you alone? and tonight well finally find out if hes back to his old philandering ways. Its been such an interesting journey with Don. Hes so secretive and mysterious and his suit is really his armour, explains Janie.

We might drool (just us?) over Don in his sharp suits but remember his plaid sports coat last season? I love that coat! says Janie, It was so fun to see Don in something more relaxed. Megan has a more European, fashion-forward sensibility and we see a glimmer of that freshness in their relationship when she persuades him to wear it.

Well have to wait until tonight to see if Joans big promotion means she ditches her famous pen necklace. I see Joan as a very powerful woman who knows how to use her assets, explains Janie, Ive heard Matthew Weiner [the shows creator] say that Joan is a feminist, she just doesnt know it yet.

As for Betty, we left Dons ex attending the worst Weight Watchers club ever, January [Jones]loved the pink tweed suit she wore in that scene. Now Bettys a politicians wife and is heavier, everything is more conservative so shes in lots of suits and blouses, says Janie.

Peggy is one of my favourite characters. Shes not fashion-y but thats what I love about her. Its never my intention to have the characters look like theyre on a catwalk; its about helping to tell the story, thats my job.

ELLE, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK
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